Submitted Abstracts

Abstract by David Schvaneveldt

Personal Infomation

Presenter's Name

David Schvaneveldt

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Co-Authors

Sam GoldrupKylie Lytle

Abstract Infomation

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Faculty Advisor

Steven Goates

Title

Stability of Nalbuphine

Abstract

Nalbuphine is an analgesic drug used in hospitals to treat opioid induced pruritus following Caesarean section. Pruritus, or severe itching is a common side effect of intrathecally-induced morphine, affecting most women undergoing Caesarean section delivery. Nalbuphine is commonly administered following the procedure, alleviating pruritus caused by the morphine while maintaining the analgesic effects. Despite its regular use following Caesarean section deliveries, hospitals are required by law to discard compounded nalbuphine after 48 hours due to a lack of stability data on nalbuphine. We tested the stability of nalbuphine compounded in normal saline solution over a 14-day period when stored at 2–8 degrees Celsius, simulating typical storage conditions found in the hospital. We used a variety of techniques including HPLC/UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorometry, and mass spectrometry to measure the stability of nalbuphine to determine whether it can be compounded in bulk and stored for treatment.